Unit cell stacking apparatus and unit cell stacking method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unit cell stacking apparatus including a conveyer on which unit cells are disposed and which transfers the unit cells to one side or the other side, a transfer unit for adsorbing and transferring upper surfaces of the unit cells, a photographing unit for photographing the unit cells, a control unit for determining whether the unit cells are defective by using information received from the photographing unit, a stacking unit in which normal unit cells determined to be normal by the control unit are stacked, and an ejection unit for ejecting defective unit cells determined to be defective by the control unit, and a unit cell stacking method using the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0137617, filed on October 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a cell stacking apparatus and a cell stacking method using the cell stacking apparatus, and more specifically, to a cell stacking apparatus and a cell stacking method using the cell stacking apparatus that can minimize equipment downtime even when defective cell stacking is detected. Background Technology

[0003] With the technological advancements in mobile devices and the increasing demand for them, rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries have been adopted as an energy source for various mobile devices. Secondary batteries are also gaining attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, which are being proposed as alternatives to existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0004] Based on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries with electrode assemblies installed in cylindrical metal cans, square batteries with electrode assemblies installed in square metal cans, and pouch batteries with electrode assemblies installed in pouch-shaped casings made of aluminum laminates.

[0005] The electrode assembly can be manufactured with a stacked cell configuration, wherein a single cell is manufactured with a positive and a negative electrode stacked between the positive and negative electrodes and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes, multiple single cells are stacked, and a single half cell is stacked on the top side.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing a traditional cell stacking device. Figure 2 This is a view showing a conventional cell stacking device stacking normal cell cells, and Figure 3 This is a view showing the ejection of defective cells from a conventional cell stacking device.

[0007] Reference Figures 1 to 3 A conventional cell stacking device may include: a conveyor belt 1 configured to transfer cell 10; an adsorption unit 2 configured to transfer cell 10 while adsorbing cell 10; an image capture unit 3 configured to capture the upper part of cell 10; a stacking platform 4 configured to stack normal cell 11 on the stacking platform; and a receiving box 5 configured to discharge defective cell 12 into the receiving box.

[0008] In conventional stacking devices, if the cell 10 captured by the image capture unit 3 is determined to be defective, the adsorption unit 2 must move to the receiving box 5 while adsorbing the defective cell 10 before discharging it. Therefore, equipment operation must be temporarily halted while the adsorption unit 2 moves to the receiving box 5, resulting in a decrease in overall equipment operating rate.

[0009] (Existing technical documents)

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2020-0114408 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a cell stacking device and a cell stacking method using the cell stacking device, which can stack transferred cell cells without interrupting equipment operation, regardless of whether the cell cells are defective.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] As a technical means to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a conveyor belt (100) configured to place cell cells (10) thereon and transfer cell cells (10) to one side or the other side; a transfer unit (200) configured to transfer cell cells (10) while adsorbing the upper surface of the cell cells; an image capture unit (300) configured to capture an image of the cell cells (10); a controller (400) configured to determine whether the cell cells (10) are defective based on information received from the image capture unit (300); a stacking unit (500) configured to stack normal cell cells (11) determined to be normal by the controller (400) on the stacking unit; and a discharge unit (600) configured to discharge defective cell cells (12) determined to be defective by the controller (400).

[0015] Furthermore, in the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the transfer unit (200) may include: an adsorption unit (210) configured to adsorb the upper surface of the cell (10); a support shaft (220) connected to one side of the adsorption unit (210) and configured to support the adsorption unit (210); and a rotation drive member (230) connected to one side of the support shaft (220) and configured to rotate the support shaft (220) in the axial direction.

[0016] Furthermore, in the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a defective cell (12) is adsorbed by the adsorption unit (210), the transfer unit (200) can be rotated 180° around the support shaft (220) by the rotation drive member (230).

[0017] Furthermore, the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a receiving unit (700) configured to receive discharged defective cell (12), wherein the discharge unit (600) may include: a clamping unit (610) configured to clamp the defective cell (12) adsorbed by the adsorption unit (210); and a driving member (620) configured to transfer the clamping unit (610) toward the receiving unit (700).

[0018] Furthermore, in the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a normal cell (11) is adsorbed by an adsorption unit (210), a transfer unit (200) can place the normal cell (11) on a stacking unit (500).

[0019] Furthermore, in the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image capture unit (300) may include a first image capture unit (310) and a second image capture unit (320), the first image capture unit (310) being configured to capture the upper part of the cell (10) disposed on the conveyor belt (100), and the second image capture unit (320) being configured to capture the lower part of the cell (10) transferred by the transfer unit (200).

[0020] Furthermore, in the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the defective cell (12) may be a cell (10) having a defective upper surface and / or a defective lower surface based on information received from the first image capture unit (310) and / or the second image capture unit (320), or a cell having a placement position deviating from a predetermined position.

[0021] Furthermore, the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include: a receiving unit (700) configured to receive the discharged defective cell (12), wherein the receiving unit (700) may include: a first receiving unit (710) configured to receive a first defective cell (12a) having a defective upper surface and / or a defective lower surface; and a second receiving unit (720) configured to receive a second defective cell (12b) having a placement position deviated from a predetermined position.

[0022] Furthermore, in the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stacking unit (500) may include a stacking platform (510) and a holding unit (520), the stacking platform (510) being configured such that normal cell cells (11) are stacked on the stacking platform, and the holding unit (520) being disposed on one side of the stacking platform (510) and configured to press the upper part of the normal cell cells (11) stacked on the stacking platform (510).

[0023] Furthermore, in the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cell (10) may be at least one of a single cell, a type A dual cell, a type C dual cell, and a half cell.

[0024] In addition, the cell stacking method using the cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: step (S1): adsorbing the upper surface of the cell (10) disposed on the conveyor belt (100) by the transfer unit (200); step (S2): transferring the transfer unit (200) on which the cell (10) is adsorbed; and step (S3): placing the cell (10) on the stacking unit (500) or transferring the cell (10) to the discharge unit (600).

[0025] Furthermore, the cell stacking method according to an embodiment of the present invention may also include the following steps: capturing the upper part of the cell (10) in step (S1); capturing the lower part of the cell (10) in step (S2); and before step (S3), receiving information about the cell (10) captured in steps (S1) and (S2) by a controller (400) and determining whether the cell (10) has defects.

[0026] Furthermore, in the cell stacking method according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the controller (400) determines that the cell (10) is a normal cell (11) before step (S3), the transfer unit (200) can place the normal cell (11) on the stacking unit (500) in step (S3).

[0027] Furthermore, in the cell stacking method according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the controller (400) determines that the cell (10) is a defective cell (12) before step (S3), the transfer unit (200) can transfer the defective cell (12) to the discharge unit (600) in step (S3).

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] As is evident from the above description, in the cell stacking apparatus and cell stacking method using the cell stacking apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer unit transfers the cell towards the stacking unit. If the cell is a normal cell, it is placed on the stacking unit; and if the cell is a defective cell, it is transferred to the discharge unit by a 180° rotation. Therefore, the transfer distance of the transfer unit can be reduced, allowing the stacking process to be performed without interrupting equipment operation, thereby increasing equipment uptime.

[0030] Furthermore, in the cell stacking apparatus and cell stacking method using the cell stacking apparatus according to the present invention, defective cell units with inaccurate placement on the conveyor belt can be separated from other defective cell units. Therefore, cell units with simple positional defects can be reused, thereby increasing the number of good products and improving yield. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing a traditional cell stacking device.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a view showing a conventional cell stacking device stacking normal cell cells.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a view showing the discharge of defective cell cells from a conventional cell stacking device.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a view showing the transfer unit adsorption of a cell in a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a view showing the transfer unit of a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a view showing the transfer unit of the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention moving on the stacking unit while adsorbing normal cell cells.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a view showing a transfer unit of a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention stacking normal cell cells on a stacking unit.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a view showing the stacked cells of a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a view showing the transfer unit of the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention moving on the stacking unit while adsorbing defective cell cells.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a view showing the transfer unit of the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention rotating while adsorbing defective cell cells.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a view showing the discharge unit clamp holding a defective cell in a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a view showing the discharge unit of a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a view showing the discharge unit of a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention discharging a first defective cell.

[0045] Figure 15 This is a view showing the discharge unit of a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention discharging a second defective cell. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these preferred embodiments. However, in describing the operational principles of the preferred embodiments in detail, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein may be omitted where such inclusion might obscure the subject matter of the invention.

[0047] Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the accompanying drawings to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. Throughout the specification, where a part is referred to as being connected to another part, this means not only that one part can be directly connected to the other part, but also that one part can be indirectly connected to the other part via yet another part. Furthermore, including a predetermined element does not mean excluding other elements, but rather that such elements may be included unless otherwise specified.

[0048] The following describes a cell stacking apparatus according to the present invention and a cell stacking method using the cell stacking apparatus.

[0049] A cell unit refers to a single cell, a type A dual cell, a type C dual cell, or a half cell, but it can include various other cells not mentioned above.

[0050] As an example of a single cell, a single cell is configured to have a structure in which the positive electrode, separator, negative electrode, and separator are stacked sequentially from top to bottom.

[0051] The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and positive electrode material coated onto the upper and lower surfaces of the positive current collector. Here, the positive current collector may include aluminum, but is not necessarily limited to it. Furthermore, the positive electrode material may be mixed with a positive electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder, and fillers may be added further as needed.

[0052] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode material coated onto the upper and lower surfaces of the negative electrode current collector. Here, the negative electrode current collector may include copper, but is not necessarily limited to it. Alternatively, the negative electrode material may be mixed with a negative electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder, and this mixture may be used to coat the negative electrode current collector.

[0053] A separator is located between the negative and positive electrodes to prevent short circuits and allow only lithium ion migration. Preferably, the separator is made of any one selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene bilayer, polyethylene / polypropylene / polypropylene trilayer, polypropylene / polypropylene / polypropylene trilayer, and organic fiber filter paper; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0054] As another example of a single-cell battery, the Type A dual-cell battery is configured to have the following structure, wherein the positive electrode, separator, negative electrode, separator, positive electrode and separator are stacked sequentially from top to bottom.

[0055] As another example of a single-cell battery, the C-type dual-cell is configured to have the following structure, wherein the negative electrode, separator, positive electrode, separator, negative electrode and separator are stacked sequentially from top to bottom.

[0056] As another example of a cell, a half cell is configured to have a structure in which a negative electrode is inserted between a pair of separators, i.e., the separators, the negative electrode and the separators are stacked sequentially from top to bottom.

[0057] The negative electrode, separator, and positive electrode that constitute a type A dual cell, type C dual cell, or half cell are the same as those described above, so their redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a view showing the transfer unit adsorbing the cell in a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a view showing the transfer unit of a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Reference Figures 4 to 6According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cell stacking device may include a conveyor belt 100, a transfer unit 200, an image capture unit 300, a controller 400, a stacking unit 500, a discharge unit 600, and a receiving unit 700.

[0060] First, the conveyor belt 100 is configured such that the cell 10 is placed on it, and the cell 10 placed on it can be moved to one side. Figure 4 (at the 3 o'clock position) or the other side ( Figure 4 (The 9 o'clock position in the middle).

[0061] At this time, the cell 10 can be arranged in a horizontal direction. Here, the horizontal direction refers to the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the stacking direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell 10.

[0062] The conveyor belt 100 can transfer the cell 10 a predetermined distance and keep it temporarily stopped. Here, the predetermined distance may correspond to the distance between the cell 10s disposed on the conveyor belt 100.

[0063] Furthermore, the stopped state of the conveyor belt 100 can be maintained during the time it takes for the transfer unit 200 to transfer the cell 10 and return to a predetermined position. For example, when the conveyor belt 100 moves to one side, the predetermined position of the transfer unit 200 can be located above the outermost cell 10.

[0064] The transfer unit 200 is configured to transfer the unit cell 10 disposed on the conveyor belt 100 simultaneously on the upper surface of the adsorption unit cell, and may include an adsorption unit 210, a support shaft 220 and a rotation drive member 230.

[0065] Here, the adsorption unit 210 can be configured as the upper surface of the adsorption unit cell 10. For example, the adsorption unit 210 can be connected to an external vacuum pump (not shown) through a pipe or hose (not shown), through which air flows to the upper surface of the adsorption unit cell 10, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0066] The support shaft 220 can be connected to one side of the adsorption unit 210 to support the adsorption unit 210. The support shaft 220 can be connected to the adsorption unit 210 in the Z-axis direction. Here, the Z-axis direction of the support shaft 220 refers to the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction (Y-axis direction) and transfer direction (X-axis direction) of the cell 10.

[0067] A rotary drive member 230 connected to one side of the support shaft 220 can be configured to rotate the support shaft 220 in the axial direction. The rotary drive member 230 can rotate the support shaft 220 in the axial direction to achieve the rolling motion of the adsorption unit 210. The rotary drive member 230 may include a motor, and the support shaft 220 may be fastened to the rotating shaft of the motor.

[0068] With the adsorption unit 210 adsorbing the upper surface of the cell 10, the rotation drive member 230 can rotate the adsorption unit 180° around the support shaft 220 (rolling motion), so that the cell 10 and the adsorption unit 210 are reversed. That is, with the adsorption unit 210 above the cell 10 and the cell 10 below the adsorption unit 210, the adsorption unit 210 can be rotated 180° by the rolling motion of the rotation drive member 230, so that the adsorption unit 210 is below the cell 10 and the cell 10 is above the adsorption unit 210.

[0069] Although not shown in the figure, the transfer unit 200 may also include a driving member (not shown) configured to move the unit cell 10 upward in the Y-axis direction by a certain height while the adsorption unit 210 adsorbs the upper surface of the unit cell 10, and transfer the unit cell 10 to one side or the other side.

[0070] For example, the driving member can move the adsorption unit 210 so that the cell 10 is positioned above the stacking unit 500 while the adsorption unit 210 adsorbs the upper surface of the cell 10.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a view showing the transfer unit of the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention moving on the stacking unit while adsorbing normal cell cells. Figure 8 This is a view illustrating the transfer unit of a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, where normal cell cells are stacked on a stacking unit, and... Figure 9 This is a view showing the stacked cells of a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Reference Figures 4 to 9 The image capture unit 300 may include a first image capture unit 310 and a second image capture unit 320 configured to capture images of the cell 10. The first image capture unit 310 may be configured to capture the upper part of the cell 10 disposed on the conveyor belt 100.

[0073] More specifically, the first image capture unit 310 can be configured to be spaced upward from the conveyor belt 100 on which the cell 10 is mounted, so as to capture an image of the upper part of the cell 10. The first image capture unit 310 can be arranged in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) so as to be orthogonal to the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the cell 10.

[0074] Here, the first image capture unit 310 can provide the controller 400 with information about the upper surface of the cell 10 (e.g., whether there are scratches or foreign objects attached to the upper surface of the cell 10) and the position of the cell 10 placed on the conveyor belt 100.

[0075] Here, information regarding the position of the cell 10 disposed on the conveyor belt 100 indicates whether the cell 10 is disposed in a predetermined position. More specifically, this information indicates whether the cell 10 is correctly aligned relative to the XY plane on the conveyor belt 100.

[0076] The second image capture unit 320 can be configured to capture the lower part of the cell 10 transferred by the transfer unit 200.

[0077] More specifically, when the cell 10 is transferred while being adsorbed by the adsorption unit 210 of the transfer unit 200, the second image capture unit 320 may be located below the transfer path to capture an image of the lower part of the cell 10. The second image capture unit 320 may be disposed between the conveyor belt 100 and the stacking unit 500.

[0078] At this time, the second image capture unit 320 can provide the controller 400 with information about the lower surface of the cell 10 (e.g., whether there are scratches or foreign objects attached to the lower surface of the cell 10).

[0079] The controller 400 can determine whether the cell 10 is defective based on information received from the image capture unit 300. The information received by the controller 400 from the image capture unit 300 may be information about the upper and lower parts of the cell 10 captured by the images captured by the first image capture unit 310 and the second image capture unit 320, respectively, and information about the position of the cell 10 placed on the conveyor belt 100.

[0080] The controller 400 can determine whether the cell is a normal cell 11 or a defective cell 12 based on the information received from the image capture unit 300.

[0081] For example, the controller 400 can use deep learning to determine whether the cell 10 is defective. For example, the controller 400 can be trained by deep learning to identify a normal state in which there are no scratches or foreign objects attached to the upper or lower surface of the cell 10, and the cell 10 is positioned at a predetermined location on the conveyor belt 100.

[0082] When the controller receives an image that matches the learned image from the first image capture unit 310 and the second image capture unit 320, the controller can determine that the cell is a normal cell 11, and when the controller receives an image that exhibits anomalies from the first image capture unit 310 and the second image capture unit 320, the controller can determine that the cell is a defective cell 12.

[0083] The defective cell 12 may be a cell 10 with a defective upper surface and / or a defective lower surface based on information received from the first image capture unit 310 and / or the second image capture unit 320, or a cell 10 with a placement position that is off-target.

[0084] Furthermore, after using deep learning to determine that cell 10 is a defective cell 12, if the cause of the defect is a defect on the upper and / or lower surface of cell 10, the controller 400 can determine that the cell is the first defective cell. If the cause of the defect is a defect in the placement of cell 10, the controller 400 can determine that the cell is the second defective cell.

[0085] The controller 400 performs overall control, ensuring that the functions of the components are performed correctly. The controller 400 can be implemented in hardware, in software, or a combination of both. The controller 400 can be implemented in any of the various forms that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0086] When it is determined that the cell 10 adsorbed by the transfer unit 200 is a normal cell 11, the controller 400 can control the transfer unit 200 to place the normal cell 11 on the stacking unit 500.

[0087] The stacking unit 500 may include a stacking stage 510 and a holding unit 520 to stack normal cell cells 11.

[0088] The stacking platform 510 may be formed as a flat plate having a flat upper surface configured such that normal cell cells 11 are stacked on the stacking platform. As an example, the stacking platform 510 may be made of metal or plastic material, and the material of the stacking platform is not limited to these, as long as the normal cell cells 11 can be stacked and supported.

[0089] Normal cell 11 can be arranged on stacking platform 510 in a predetermined number or height. For example, multiple single cells can be stacked on stacking platform 510, and half cells can be stacked on top; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] The holding unit 520 can be disposed on one side of the stacking platform 510 to press the upper part of the normal cell 11 stacked on the stacking platform 510. At this time, the holding unit 520 can press the upper edge of the normal cell 11 stacked at the top to temporarily fix the normal cell 11.

[0091] In addition, the holding unit 520 may include a first holding member 521 and a second holding member 522 disposed on one side of the stacking platform 510 along the longitudinal direction.

[0092] The first retaining member 521 and the second retaining member 522 can be driven independently of each other. For example, when one of the retaining members 521 and 522 presses against the top of the stacked normal cell 11, the other retaining member can be spaced apart from the top of the stacked normal cell 11.

[0093] More specifically, when the first holding member 521 presses down on the upper part of the stacked normal cell 11, the second holding member 522 may be spaced apart from the upper part of the stacked normal cell 11 so as not to press down on the upper part of the stacked normal cell 11. Subsequently, when the normal cell 11 is transferred from the transfer unit 200 and placed on the first holding member 521, the second holding member 522 may press down on the upper part of the newly placed normal cell 11, and the first holding member 521 may be spaced apart from the upper part of the stacked normal cell 11 so as not to press down on the upper part of the stacked normal cell 11.

[0094] Accordingly, the first retaining member 521 and the second retaining member 522 can be configured to alternately press the upper part of the normal cell 11 stacked on the stacking platform 510.

[0095] Although only one first retaining member 521 and one second retaining member 522 are shown in the figure, each retaining member can be configured in pairs so that they face each other or are positioned in a diagonal direction.

[0096] Figure 10This is a view showing the transfer unit of the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention moving on the stacking unit while adsorbing defective cell cells. Figure 11 This is a view showing the transfer unit of the cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention rotating while adsorbing defective cell units. Figure 12 This is a view showing the discharge unit clamp holding a defective cell in a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 This is a view showing the discharge unit of a cell stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Reference Figures 10 to 13 When it is determined that the cell 10 adsorbed by the transfer unit 200 is a defective cell 12, the controller 400 can perform control to make the adsorption unit 210 that has adsorbed the defective cell 12 rotate 180° around the support shaft 220 through the rotation drive member 230.

[0098] As described above, when the rotating drive member 230 rotates, the adsorption unit 210 may be located below the unit cell 10, the unit cell 10 may be located above the adsorption unit 210, and the discharge unit 600 may be located above the unit cell 10.

[0099] The discharge unit 600 can be configured to be spaced upward from the stacking unit 500, and the transfer unit 200 with the adsorbed cell 10 can be transferred between the discharge unit 600 and the stacking unit 500. In this case, it is desirable that the discharge unit 600 is positioned at a distance from the stacking unit 500 equal to or greater than the distance required for the transfer unit 200 with the adsorbed cell 10 to rotate (roller driven) around the support shaft 220.

[0100] The discharge unit 600 may include a clamping unit 610 and a drive member 620 configured to discharge defective cell 12 determined by the controller 400 to be defective.

[0101] The clamping unit 610 can be configured to clamp the defective cell 12 adsorbed by the adsorption unit 210. For example, when the adsorption unit 210 rotates 180° while adsorbing the defective cell 12, the clamping unit 610 can be driven to clamp the defective cell 12 located above.

[0102] For example, the clamping unit 610 may include a plurality of clamping members 611, wherein when spaced apart from the defective cell 12, the plurality of clamping members 611 may be spaced apart from each other, and when approaching the defective cell 12, the plurality of clamping members 611 may approach each other to clamp the defective cell 12.

[0103] Alternatively, as another example, the clamping unit 610 may be an adsorption member (not shown) configured to adsorb the lower surface of the defective cell 12 adsorbed by the adsorption unit 210. Figure 13 The 12 o'clock position in the middle allows the defective cell 12 to be clamped (adsorbed), and the lower surface of the defective cell 12 is adjacent to the upper surface of the defective cell 12. Figure 13 (The 6 o'clock position in the middle) is relative. Various clamping members capable of clamping the defective cell 12 can be used as clamping units 610.

[0104] The drive member 620 can be connected to one side of the clamping unit 610 to move the clamping unit 610 toward the receiving unit 700. The drive member 620 can move the clamping unit 610 downward or upward in the Y-axis direction, and can move the clamping unit to one side or the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0105] For example, the drive member 620 can move the clamping unit 610 so that when the defective cell 12 is clamped by the clamping unit 610, the defective cell 12 is transferred to the receiving unit 700.

[0106] Figure 14 This is a view showing the discharge unit of a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention discharging a first defective cell, and... Figure 15 This is a view showing the discharge unit of a cell stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention discharging a second defective cell.

[0107] Reference Figures 4 to 15 The receiving unit 700 is configured to receive defective cell 12 discharged by the discharge unit 600, and may include a first receiving unit 710 and a second receiving unit 720.

[0108] When it is determined that the cell 10 adsorbed by the transfer unit 200 is the first defective cell 12a, the controller 400 can rotate the transfer unit 200 to transfer the first defective cell 12a to the discharge unit 600, and the first defective cell 12a can be transferred to the first receiving unit 710 through the discharge unit 600.

[0109] The first receiving unit 710 can be configured to receive a first defective cell 12a having a defective upper surface and / or a defective lower surface based on information received from the first image capturing unit 310 and / or the second image capturing unit 320. That is, the first receiving unit 710 is a receiving unit configured to receive a first defective cell 12a that is determined to be defective due to scratches present on its upper surface and / or lower surface or foreign matter attached thereto.

[0110] Additionally, when it is determined that the cell 10 adsorbed by the transfer unit 200 is the second defective cell 12b, the controller 400 can rotate the transfer unit 200 to transfer the second defective cell 12b to the discharge unit 600, and the second defective cell 12b can be transferred to the second receiving unit 720 through the discharge unit 600.

[0111] The second receiving unit 720 can be configured to receive a second defective cell 12b having a placement position deviating from a predetermined position based on information received from the first image capture unit 310. That is, the second receiving unit 720 is a receiving unit configured to receive a second defective cell 12b that is determined to be defective when the position of the cell 10 placed on the conveyor belt 100 deviates from the predetermined position.

[0112] In other words, unlike the first defective cell 12a which has scratches or foreign matter attached to its upper and / or lower surfaces, the second defective cell 12b housed in the second housing unit 720 is determined to be defective solely due to its placement location. Therefore, the second defective cell 12b received in the second housing unit 720 can be collected and reused.

[0113] Therefore, the second defective cell 12b, which is simply defective in location, can be converted into a good cell, thereby improving the production yield of the cell.

[0114] Next, a cell stacking method using a cell stacking device with the above configuration will be described.

[0115] Reference Figures 4 to 15 The cell stacking method according to the present invention includes: (S1) adsorbing the upper surface of the cell 10 disposed on the conveyor belt 100 by the transfer unit 200; (S2) transferring the cell 10 adsorbed by the transfer unit 200; and (S3) placing the cell 10 on the stacking unit 500 or transferring the cell 10 to the discharge unit 600.

[0116] The cell stacking method may further include: capturing the upper part of the cell 10 by the first image capture unit 310 in step (S1); and capturing the lower part of the cell 10 by the second image capture unit 320 in step (S2).

[0117] Additionally, prior to step (S3), the controller 400 may receive information about the upper part of the cell 10 captured in the image in step (S1) and information about the lower part of the cell 10 captured in the image in step (S2), and may determine whether the cell 10 is defective.

[0118] Here, the controller 400 can determine whether the cell 10 is defective based on information about the upper surface of the cell 10 (e.g., whether there are scratches or foreign objects attached to the upper surface of the cell 10), information about the lower surface of the cell 10 (e.g., whether there are scratches or foreign objects attached to the lower surface of the cell 10), and the position of the cell 10 disposed on the conveyor belt 100.

[0119] For example, if the controller 400 determines that cell 10 is a normal cell 11, then in step (S3), the transfer unit 200 can place the normal cell 11 on the stacking unit 500.

[0120] As another example, if the controller 400 determines that cell 10 is a defective cell 12, then in step (S3), the transfer unit 200 can transfer the defective cell 12 to the discharge unit 600. Here, the transfer unit 200 can be rotated by the rotation drive member 230, so that the defective cell 12 adsorbed by the adsorption unit 210 can be located above the adsorption unit 210.

[0121] After step (S3), the discharge unit 600 can discharge the defective cell 12 to the receiving unit 700. At this time, if the controller 400 determines that the defective cell 12 is the first defective cell 12a, the discharge unit 610 can receive the first defective cell 12a in the first receiving unit 710, and if the controller 400 determines that the defective cell 12 is the second defective cell 12b, the discharge unit 610 can receive the second defective cell 12b in the second receiving unit 720.

[0122] Of course, after step (S3), even when the defective cell 12 is discharged by the discharge unit 600, the transfer unit 200 can repeat steps (S1) to (S3) to improve the equipment operating rate.

[0123] While the specific details of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that this detailed description only discloses preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore does not limit the scope of the invention. Consequently, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and technical spirit of the invention, and it will be apparent that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0124] (Description of reference numerals in the attached figures)

[0125] 10: Cell Unit

[0126] 11: Normal unit cell

[0127] 12: Defective battery cells

[0128] 12a: First defective cell; 12b: Second defective cell

[0129] 100: Conveyor Belt

[0130] 200: Transfer Unit

[0131] 210: Adsorption unit

[0132] 220: Support shaft

[0133] 230: Rotary drive component

[0134] 300: Image capture unit

[0135] 310: First image capture unit

[0136] 320: Second image capture unit

[0137] 400: Controller

[0138] 500: Stacking unit

[0139] 510: Stacking Platform

[0140] 520: Holding unit

[0141] 521: First retaining member; 522: Second retaining member

[0142] 600: Discharge Unit

[0143] 610: Clamping unit; 611: Clamping component

[0144] 620: Driving component

[0145] 700: Accommodation Unit

[0146] 710: First Accommodation Unit

[0147] 720: Second Accommodation Unit

Claims

1. A cell stacking device, the cell stacking device comprising: A conveyor belt configured such that a cell is placed on the conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt configured to transfer the cell to one side or the other side; A transfer unit configured to transfer the cell while adsorbing the upper surface of the cell; An image capture unit, configured to capture an image of the cell; A controller configured to determine whether the cell is defective based on information received from the image capture unit; A stacking unit, the stacking unit being configured such that normal cell cells determined to be normal by the controller are stacked on the stacking unit; as well as A discharge unit configured to discharge defective cell units determined by the controller to be defective.

2. The cell stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, The transfer unit includes: An adsorption unit, the adsorption unit being configured to adsorb the upper surface of the cell; A support shaft, connected to one side of the adsorption unit, the support shaft being configured to support the adsorption unit; and A rotary drive member is connected to one side of the support shaft and is configured to rotate the support shaft in the axial direction.

3. The cell stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, When the defective cell is adsorbed by the adsorption unit, the transfer unit rotates 180° around the support shaft via the rotation drive member.

4. The cell stacking device according to claim 3, wherein the cell stacking device further comprises: A receiving unit, configured to receive the discharged defective cell, wherein, The discharge unit includes: A clamping unit configured to clamp the defective cell adsorbed by the adsorption unit; and A driving member configured to move the clamping unit toward the receiving unit.

5. The cell stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, When the normal cell is adsorbed by the adsorption unit, the transfer unit places the normal cell on the stacking unit.

6. The cell stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, The image capture unit includes: A first image capture unit, configured to capture the upper portion of the cell disposed on the conveyor belt; and A second image capture unit is configured to capture the lower part of the cell transferred by the transfer unit.

7. The cell stacking device according to claim 6, wherein, The defective cell is a cell with a defective upper surface and / or a defective lower surface based on information received from the first image capture unit and / or the second image capture unit, or the defective cell is a cell with a placement position that is deviated from a predetermined position.

8. The cell stacking apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: A receiving unit, configured to receive the discharged defective cell, wherein, The accommodating unit includes: A first receiving unit, configured to receive a first defective cell having a defective upper surface and / or a defective lower surface; and The second receiving unit is configured to receive a second defective cell having a placement position that is offset from the predetermined position.

9. The cell stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, The stacking unit includes: Stacking platform, the stacking platform being configured such that the normal cell units are stacked on the stacking platform; and A holding unit is disposed on one side of the stacking platform and is configured to press the upper part of the normal cell stacked on the stacking platform.

10. The cell stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, The unit cell is at least one of a single cell, a type A dual cell, a type C dual cell, and a half cell.

11. A method for stacking battery cells, the method using a battery cell stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the following steps: Step (S1): The upper surface of the cell unit placed on the conveyor belt is adsorbed by the transfer unit; Step (S2): Transfer the transfer unit on which the unit cell is adsorbed; as well as Step (S3): Place the cell on the stacking unit or transfer the cell to the discharge unit.

12. The cell stacking method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps: In step (S1), the upper part of the cell is captured; In step (S2), the lower part of the cell is captured; and Prior to step (S3), the controller receives information about the cell captured in steps (S1) and (S2) and determines whether the cell is defective.

13. The cell stacking method according to claim 12, wherein, If the controller determines that the cell is a normal cell before step (S3), then in step (S3) the transfer unit places the normal cell on the stacking unit.

14. The cell stacking method according to claim 13, wherein, If the controller determines that the cell is a defective cell before step (S3), then in step (S3), the transfer unit transfers the defective cell to the discharge unit.

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